A fantastic returning client contacted me about painting a watercolor montage for her to give as a gift. The location is a horse ranch where weddings are held in Prairie Grove, Ar. I went out to take several pictures.

I used this example from a google search as a map/plan to create mine for my client.

Then using the photos I took and the proportional sizing the client wanted (12″ x 24″) I put together a few mock set ups for the client to choose a draft for me to follow. Here is what I sent her after she chose which photos to use as references.

she chose the one on the left and here is the final result:

Her daughter was recently married at this location and my client has gifted this watercolor to the owners of the ranch.

using a color palette from my client that she provided and the subjects of a pear, apple, sunflower and hydrangea. Watercolor on 140# cold press arches paper. The added gestural, sketchy pen work is one of favorite looks as well. Then mounting the originals onto a 12×12 cradled wooden canvas. I love the close up compositions. Final application is 2 coats of wax to protect and seal the art.

I use different size and shape natural sea sponges to recreate foliage in my paintings. Dipping the sponge in the paint and “stamping” the sponge onto the paper in a random pattern really depicts leaves well. I like using different shades of green to give the trees depth. Wildflowers and cherry blossoms are also a subject to represent with natural sea sponges. Here is a link to a youtube video giving an example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzFQZQqL7dw